Gore gets his grand

He got his 1,000 yards, gimpy ankle and all.

Frank Gore went into Sunday's season-ender against Washington needing 22 rushing yards to attain 1,000 for the season and become the first 49er to rush for 1,000 yards in three consecutive seasons.

Gore, who had missed the previous two games with a sprained ankle, finished with 11 carries for 58 yards to end the season with 1,036. Joe Perry (1953-54), Roger Craig (1988-89), Garrison Hearst (1997-98) and Charlie Garner (1999-2000) all rushed for at least 1,000 yards for two straight seasons.

"It's great to be the first running back in this team's history to do it, especially with all the great players who have been here," Gore said. "I'm very happy. Everyone wanted me to do it today. I have a record in this great franchise's history, and that's a great thing."

Coach Mike Singletary was mindful of Gore's ankle and limited his playing time. DeShaun Foster played well in relief of Gore with nine carries for 44 yards and a 1-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.

(sfgate.com)